Even When

I have an aquaintance named Rick Pearson (www.rickpearson.org) who seems to be on his way to meet God persionally. Rick is an amazingly talented young musician who appears to be losing a battle with Lukemia. It's a tragic story. At the same time, I've got a very good friend named Josh Jones (www.alreadybeenchewed.com) was also recently diagnosed with Cancer. Josh is a pastor and dad in his late 20's. Josh is not living the easy life by any means, but he is recovering well.

It's been a really thought provoking process to watch these two guys battle major diseases. In the meantime, I appear to be very healthy and life is going great for me. I've got a fantastic wife, 2 beautiful healthy boys, great friends, and a job I love. I said it that way intentionally. I "appear" to be healthy. The truth is, I have no idea what is goig on inside my body or what is waiting around the next corner. I have no promise that I'll wake tomorrow or that any of my family will. There is no gaurentee. So, should I be confident or fearful? Should I live with hope or dread? Should I be anxious or at peace?

God wrote this through Paul in Romans 11.33, "Oh the depth of the riches of both the wisdom and the knowledge of God; how unsearchable are His judgements and His paths beyond tracing out. For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been His counselor, or who has ever given to God that God should repay Him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever!"

If you go to Rick's site, a song called "Even When" will begin to play. It's a beautiful song that Rick recorded and it's so apropriate at this time. The big idea of the song is even when we don't know what God is up to, we will choose to trust Him and praise Him because He is good.

I certainly pray that God will choose to heal Rick and Josh, in the same way that I pray He will give everyone in New Orleans their homes and jobs back. But, if God doesn't choose to answer in the way I request, I'm also praying that I will still see Him as good and strong; since this is what's true. Please join me in embracing this truth with all our hearts!